Two weeks passed..
In that time, Elina learned something important about working for Belonia.
He was never satisfied.
"Redo this."
"Incorrect formatting."
"You should have anticipated that problem."
Every day brought a new criticism.
Yet strangely, he never fired her.
Elina sometimes wondered why.
Most assistants lasted only a few days before quitting under the pressure.
But she stayed.
Not because the job was easy.
Because something about the challenge pushed her forward.
And something about Belonia himself kept pulling her attention back to him.
That afternoon, the office was unusually quiet.
Elina was organizing files when the elevator doors opened.
Victor stepped out again, wearing his usual relaxed smile.
"You're still here," he said playfully.
Elina looked up.
"I work here."
Victor leaned casually against her desk.
"I'm impressed. Most people run away from Belonia within a week."
She smiled faintly.
"I'm stubborn."
Victor studied her face.
"You're also very brave."
Before she could reply, Belonia's office door opened.
His dark eyes immediately landed on Victor leaning over Elina's desk.
Something cold flickered across his expression.
"Victor," he said flatly.
Victor straightened but didn't move away.
"Relax. I'm just keeping your assistant company."
"She has work to do."
Victor grinned.
"You're very protective of her productivity."
Belonia ignored the comment and turned to Elina.
"Bring the revised reports."
Elina stood immediately and followed him inside.
The moment the door closed, the tension in the room felt heavier.
Belonia sat behind his desk while she placed the documents in front of him.
He flipped through the pages silently.
Then he paused.
"These are correct."
Elina blinked slightly.
Was that… praise?
But Belonia had already moved on.
"You're improving."
The words were simple.
Yet for some reason, they made Elina's chest feel warm.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Belonia looked up briefly.
For a moment, his gaze lingered on her face longer than usual.
He noticed small things he had ignored before.
The softness of her lips.
The quiet determination in her eyes.
The way her long hair framed her shoulders.
Something about her presence felt strangely calming.
Belonia looked away first.
"You can go."
Elina nodded and turned toward the door.
But just before leaving, she glanced back at him.
For a moment, their eyes met again.
And something unspoken passed between them.
Something neither of them fully understood yet.
That evening, Elina met Clara again.
Clara arrived excited as usual.
"I have news," she said immediately.
Elina laughed.
"That sounds dangerous."
Clara leaned forward with a mischievous smile.
"I might finally meet your terrifying boss."
Elina nearly dropped her glass.
"What?"
"My father has business connections with Belonia Enterprises," Clara explained. "There's a charity event next week. Apparently Belonia will be there."
Elina felt something strange twist inside her chest.
"Oh."
Clara noticed the reaction immediately.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Clara narrowed her eyes.
"Elina… you don't like him, do you?"
Elina laughed nervously.
"Of course not."
But the answer didn't feel entirely true.
Because lately, she had begun noticing things she never expected.
The rare moments when Belonia's voice softened slightly.
The way his sharp eyes studied everything carefully.
The quiet intensity in the way he carried himself.
It was dangerous to think about him that way.
Very dangerous.
That same night, Belonia stood in a dimly lit lounge with Victor, Dominic, and Leon.
Music played softly in the background while elegant guests filled the room.
Victor leaned back with a drink.
"You've been quiet tonight."
Belonia shrugged.
"Work."
Victor smirked.
"I think it's your assistant."
Belonia's gaze sharpened.
"Don't start."
"Oh, come on," Victor continued. "You notice her too."
Belonia took a slow sip of whiskey.
"She's an employee."
Victor laughed.
"You've had relationships with far less complicated boundaries."
Belonia's expression darkened slightly.
"This is different."
Victor leaned forward.
"That's exactly why it's interesting."
Belonia didn't respond.
But his mind drifted back to something he didn't want to admit.
The image of Elina standing quietly in the hallway that day.
Tears on her face.
Strength in her silence.
Something about her unsettled him.
Because for the first time in years…
A woman had entered his world without trying to impress him.
Without chasing his wealth.
Without wanting anything from him.
And that made her far more dangerous than anyone else.